ENERGY
* Your appliances need a tune-up: clean all filters and coils.
* Clean/replace the filter on your furnace or heat pump every month.
* Draw your window coverings to help warm your home in the winter
and cool it in the summer.
* Adjust your thermostat:
In the winter:
> Each 1 degree C lower saves 2% on your heating bill. Also
lower the temperature by 3 C when you sleep or are away
during the day or on holidays for even more savings.
> If you're chilled, put on a sweater rather than raise the temp.
In the summer:
> To save money on Air Conditioning costs, try cooling your
home to only 25/26 C instead of the low 20's. Each degree
below 26 will noticeably increase your electricity use.
* Use area rugs on cold floors: If your feet are cold, your body will
feel cold.
* Install ceiling fans and use them to supplement, or even as an
alternative to, air conditioning. In the winter reverse the
direction of the fan to push warm air down to enhance your
heating system.
* Use energy efficient compact florescent bulbs.
* Don't leave the lights on where you don't need them, and use
dimmer switches to lower the ambient lighting when not
needed for tasks.
* Keep light fixtures clean - a cleaner bulb is brighter.
* When using the stove, be sure to put lids on pots in order to keep
the heat in the pot - and lower your energy usage and costs.
* Don't use a bigger pot that you need: Match it to the right size
element
* Turn off the oven just before finishing - the oven will remain hot
long enough to complete the job.
* Use an electric kettle to boil water - the stove is less efficient
* Microwave ovens use up to 75% less energy, so when possible use
a microwave instead of the stove or oven.
* Computers - use a laptop rather than desk top for energy
efficiency. With a desktop - shut off the computer screen
when not in use as 60% of the power used by a computer is
the monitor!
WATER
* Do not let the water run continuously when brushing your teeth,
shaving or even doing the dishes.
* Wash clothes in cold water
* Run the dishwasher when it's full and use the air-dry setting.
* Install water saving showerheads.
* Fix that leaking faucet, hose or dripping toilet: It is startling how
much water is wasted from a simple drip.
REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE
* Avoid paper plates and napkins and save 'oodles' of trash.
* Use reusable cloths and rags instead of paper towels.
* Instead of using chemical and paper towels to wash your windows,
try 125 ml vinegar mixed with 1 L water and a squeegee:
Believe me, this works faster and gives a streak free finish!
* Buy products with little or no packaging: e.g. buy the larger yogurt
container and serve portions from it or buy form the bulk
stores/departments
* Buy local produce as much as possible. Not only does this provide
fresher food and help the local economy, it saves on the
energy spent transporting goods from great distances.
* Have a garage sale to help recycle your unwanted items.
Someone's trash is another's treasure.
* Use eco friendly cleaning and personal hygiene products.
* Use the recycle bin for used paper, plastics and cans e.g.
newspapers, envelopes, computer output, product packaging.
NOTE: most Condo's provide a recycle room: It 's handy and
EcoFriendly - when used!
* Use the flip side of discarded printer output for other draft or
personal-use purposes.
RENOVATING:
Yes it is costly, but there are grants available from both the Federal and Provincial governments for 'green' home improvements that will help defray some of the cost.
The following is a selection of EnergyStar grants (to a maximum total of $5,000 each having a matcing Provincial grant i.e combined maximum of $10,000!):
Furnace (EnergyStar 90% AFUE or better) $300
Furnace (EnergyStar 92% AFUE or better $500
with DC variable speed motor)
Attic Insulation (Improve R12 to R50) $600
Insulating 20% of walls $180
Insulating 100% of walls
(adding R9 or more) $1500
Insulate Basement $100- $1000
Replace Doors/Windows $30 ea
Ground source Heat Pump $3500
Solar Domestic Hot Water system $500
The Process:
1. Have a pre audit done by an NRCan Certified energy auditor.
2. Complete your renovations and improvements.
3. Have a post audit done.
The EnergyStar auditor will remit your file for EnergyStar grants and matching provincial grants.
Visit http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca and www.energy.gov.on.ca to learn more.
Some Toronto Auditors:
AmeriSpec of Canada 1-866-284-6010
Green$aver 416-203-3106
Pro Home & Building Inspections Inc 416-651-7778
For more green renovation ideas visit www.EvolutionGreen.com
